(Senior) Product Strategy & Growth Consultant (all genders)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: (Senior) Product Strategy & Growth Consultant Company: Kaufland e-commerce Location: Germany (Remote or Cologne / Darmstadt / Düsseldorf / Berlin) Job Type: Full-Time, Part-Time Category: Product Strategy & Operations, GTM Strategy, Business Operations Date Posted: 2025-05-30 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (Implied 2-5 years, but can be Senior) Remote Status: Remote OK (Within Germany)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive strategic product initiatives and lead significant projects within a fast-growing e-commerce marketplace, leveraging a generalist consulting approach.
• Excel in stakeholder management and foster crucial alignment across diverse, cross-functional teams to achieve shared business objectives and product vision.
• Identify and implement operational efficiency levers to enhance processes, promote organizational growth, and maintain a competitive edge in the e-commerce landscape.
• Cultivate a collaborative environment that champions continuous learning, knowledge exchange, and best practice sharing among product and tech professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Product Strategy & Growth Consultant," has significant operational undertones. The emphasis on "leading impactful projects and larger programs," "stakeholder management," "identifying and implementing efficiency levers," and "driving organizational growth" points to a strong need for operational execution, process optimization, and strategic alignment, which are core to Revenue Operations and GTM functions. The generalist profile requirement suggests the need for adaptability and a broad understanding of business processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage end-to-end strategic projects and larger programs within the product organization, ensuring successful delivery and measurable impact.
• Develop and execute comprehensive product strategies, translating business goals into actionable product roadmaps and initiatives.
• Conduct thorough market analysis, competitive research, and customer insights to identify growth opportunities and inform product development.
• Implement and refine key performance indicators (KPIs) to track project progress, measure success, and drive data-informed decision-making.
• Facilitate and manage communication channels between product teams, engineering, marketing, sales, and executive leadership to ensure seamless collaboration and alignment.
• Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in current product development and go-to-market processes, proposing and implementing solutions for optimization.
• Champion a data-driven culture by promoting the use of analytics for decision-making, performance tracking, and strategic planning.
• Foster an environment conducive to innovation, continuous improvement, and the sharing of best practices within the product and operations teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities lean heavily into strategy development, project leadership, and operational improvement. The emphasis on "efficiency levers" and "organizational growth" strongly suggests a role focused on optimizing the entire product lifecycle and its contribution to revenue, aligning with GTM and Revenue Operations principles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Marketing, Computer Science, or a related field. A Master's degree or MBA is a plus.
• Strong understanding of product management principles, e-commerce business models, and market dynamics.

Experience:

• Proven experience in project management or strategy consulting, preferably within a product-driven organization or the e-commerce sector.
• Demonstrated success in leading complex projects or programs from conception to completion, with a focus on delivering tangible business outcomes.
• Experience in identifying and implementing process improvements and efficiency gains.

Required Skills:

• Strategic Planning: Ability to develop and articulate long-term product strategies and growth plans.
• Project Leadership: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, from initiation to successful closure, utilizing project management methodologies.
• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with and influence stakeholders at all levels, including senior management.
• Analytical & Data-Driven Decision Making: Strong analytical skills to interpret complex data, identify trends, and make data-backed decisions to drive product strategy and growth.
• E-commerce Expertise: Deep understanding of current e-commerce trends, online marketplaces, and customer behavior.
• Process Optimization: Skill in identifying inefficiencies, developing solutions, and implementing process improvements to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively.
• Problem-Solving: A hands-on, solution-oriented approach to tackling challenges with pragmatism and efficiency in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience in product management.
• Familiarity with agile methodologies and frameworks (Scrum, Kanban).
• Experience with CRM and marketing automation tools.
• Knowledge of A/B testing and conversion rate optimization (CRO) strategies.
• Experience working in an international, English-speaking team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "generalist profile" requirement, combined with the focus on strategy and growth, implies a need for a well-rounded candidate capable of understanding and influencing various operational aspects of the product lifecycle. The "product management experience is a plus" suggests that a strong operational understanding and strategic execution capability can compensate for direct product management experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a track record of successfully leading and delivering strategic projects, showcasing impact on business growth and operational efficiency.
• Provide examples of implementing process improvements or identifying efficiency levers, quantifying the results achieved (e.g., cost savings, time reduction, revenue uplift).
• Showcase experience in stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration, with examples of achieving alignment and driving consensus.
• Include case studies or project summaries that highlight your analytical capabilities, data-driven decision-making process, and ability to translate insights into actionable strategies.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to diagnosing process inefficiencies and designing optimized workflows.
• Highlight experience in documenting and communicating new processes or strategic initiatives to ensure team-wide understanding and adoption.
• Showcase your ability to define and track metrics to measure the effectiveness of implemented processes and strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio" requirement, the emphasis on "leading impactful projects," "identifying efficiency levers," and "making data-driven decisions" strongly implies that candidates will need to demonstrate these capabilities through past work. This translates to needing a portfolio that showcases strategic execution, process improvement, and measurable results relevant to growth and operational efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the Senior Consultant title, the location in Germany, and the responsibilities involving strategy and leadership, a competitive salary range is expected. For a Senior Product Strategy & Growth Consultant in Germany, with 4-7 years of relevant experience, typical salaries can range from €70,000 to €100,000+ annually, depending on the specific city, company size, and exact responsibilities. For a more junior "Consultant" level, the range might be €55,000 - €80,000.
• Estimate: €65,000 - €95,000 per year, with potential for higher compensation for exceptionally qualified candidates or those with extensive senior-level experience.

Benefits:

• Flexibility: Choice of remote work within Germany or working from offices in Cologne, Darmstadt, Düsseldorf, or Berlin, supporting a strong work-life balance.
• Relocation Assistance: Attractive relocation package for candidates moving to Germany.
• Well-being & Fitness: Access to Urban Sports Club, RSG Group Fitness Studios, and mental well-being support through Instahelp.
• Time Off: 30 days of vacation per year, plus the opportunity for a sabbatical.
• Financial Perks: Option for Pluxee restaurant vouchers (tax-advantaged), subsidy for the 'Deutschlandticket' (train season ticket), and Corporate Benefits discounts.
• Professional Development: Online language learning programs, diverse in-house training, automated 360-degree feedback, and coverage for relevant conferences, training, and workshops.
• Work Environment: Choice of MacOS or Ubuntu Linux operating systems.
• Company Culture: Dynamic culture with flat hierarchies, a start-up mentality, and the security of a large corporation (Schwarz Group).
• Onboarding & Team Integration: Digital onboarding journey, buddy program, regular team/company events, and all-hands meetings.

Working Hours:

• Full-time (40 hours per week) is typical, with the flexibility to discuss part-time arrangements. Operations roles often require dedication, but the company's emphasis on flexibility suggests a focus on output rather than strict hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The comprehensive benefits package highlights Kaufland e-commerce's commitment to employee well-being and professional growth, which is attractive for operations professionals seeking stability and development opportunities. The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in Germany, considering the company's size and the e-commerce sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce, Online Marketplaces, Retail Technology. Kaufland e-commerce operates one of the fastest-growing online marketplaces in Europe, connecting thousands of sellers with millions of products. Company Size: Part of the larger Schwarz Group, but the Tech & Product Team is substantial (around 400 experts), indicating a significant operational scale and resources, while maintaining a start-up-like dynamism within the tech division. Founded: While the exact founding date of Kaufland e-commerce isn't provided, Kaufland as a retail entity has a long history, suggesting a blend of established corporate structure with innovative e-commerce ventures.

Team Structure:

• The Tech & Product Team comprises approximately 400 experts, suggesting a specialized and sizable operational unit.
• Roles within this team are likely structured within cross-functional squads or tribes, focusing on specific product areas or customer journeys.
• Collaboration is expected to be high, with this role interfacing across various departments including product management, engineering, marketing, sales, and potentially finance and operations.

Methodology:

• The company fosters a "start-up mentality with the opportunities offered by a large corporation," implying a blend of agile, innovative approaches with structured processes and robust support.
• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making, continuous learning, and identifying efficiency levers suggests a culture that values analytical rigor and process improvement.
• Agile principles are likely employed in product development and project management to ensure responsiveness and adaptability.

Company Website: https://kaufland-ecommerce.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Kaufland e-commerce's positioning as a fast-growing marketplace within a large corporation offers a unique operational environment. It suggests opportunities to implement scalable solutions and processes while benefiting from the stability and resources of a well-established entity. The "generalist" requirement for this role means the candidate needs to be comfortable navigating various operational facets.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "(Senior) Product Strategy & Growth Consultant." This implies a mid-to-senior level position, responsible for significant strategic input and project leadership. It's a key contributor role, potentially leading to team lead or managerial positions in strategy, product operations, or GTM functions. Reporting Structure: The role likely reports into a Head of Product, Director of Strategy, or a similar senior leader within the product or business operations domain. The consultant will work closely with various cross-functional teams, indicating a network of influence rather than direct managerial control over most individuals. Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role will be on the strategic direction and growth trajectory of Kaufland's e-commerce marketplaces. By optimizing strategies, processes, and cross-functional alignment, the consultant will directly influence revenue generation, customer acquisition and retention, and overall operational efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deep expertise in specific product domains, growth hacking, or operational strategy within the e-commerce sector.
• Leadership: Progress into leadership roles such as Head of Product Strategy, Director of Growth, or Manager of Business Operations, managing teams and larger strategic portfolios.
• Cross-functional Mobility: Potential to move into senior product management, business development, or even operational leadership roles within Kaufland e-commerce or the broader Schwarz Group.
• Skill Development: Continuous learning opportunities, training, and conference participation will enhance skills in strategy, project management, analytics, and e-commerce best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "generalist" nature of the role, coupled with the focus on strategy and growth, provides a broad platform for career development. Professionals in this role can gain exposure to various business functions, making them well-rounded candidates for future leadership positions in operations or product management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers flexibility between remote work and office-based roles in Cologne, Darmstadt, Düsseldorf, or a co-working space in Berlin. This suggests a modern, adaptable work environment. Office Location(s): Key cities in Germany are mentioned (Cologne, Darmstadt, Düsseldorf), indicating established operational hubs. The availability of a co-working space in Berlin further emphasizes a flexible and distributed work model.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative: Emphasis on "team players" and cross-functional collaboration suggests an environment where open communication and shared problem-solving are valued.
• Tech-Enabled: Expectation of modern tools and technologies to support remote and in-office work, including collaboration platforms and efficient digital workflows.
• Dynamic & Agile: The "start-up mentality" combined with corporate backing implies a fast-paced, results-oriented environment that encourages innovation and quick adaptation.

Work Schedule:

• The standard working hours are likely around 40 hours per week, typical for full-time roles in Germany. However, the emphasis on flexibility and "creating your own work-life balance" suggests that while core hours might exist, there's an understanding of individual needs and a focus on output and project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The blend of remote and office options caters to diverse working preferences, a key factor for many operations professionals who often require focused time for analysis away from constant office interruptions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into experience, skills, and understanding of product strategy and growth concepts. Expect behavioral questions and scenario-based inquiries.
• Case Study/Project Presentation: Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a case study related to product strategy, growth initiatives, or process optimization. This is where a portfolio of past work would be crucial.
• Cross-functional Team Interviews: Interviews with potential colleagues or stakeholders from other departments (e.g., product, engineering, marketing) to assess collaboration skills and functional understanding.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Product, VP) to discuss strategic vision and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each project or initiative presented, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the measurable results (e.g., revenue increase, cost reduction, efficiency gains, market share growth). Use KPIs specific to growth and operations.
• Showcase Process Ownership: Highlight instances where you identified and improved processes, detailing the methodology used and the positive outcomes.
• Demonstrate Stakeholder Management: Include examples of how you managed complex stakeholder relationships, navigated differing opinions, and achieved alignment on strategic goals.
• Contextualize: For each item in your portfolio, briefly explain the context of the project, your specific role, and the tools/methodologies you employed. Tailor examples to e-commerce and growth challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategy Case: Be prepared for a case study that requires you to analyze a business problem, identify growth opportunities for an e-commerce marketplace, and propose strategic solutions. Focus on market analysis, customer segmentation, and competitive strategy.
• Process Improvement Challenge: You might be asked to diagnose inefficiencies in a hypothetical product development or go-to-market process and suggest improvements. Think about workflow mapping, automation opportunities, and data utilization.
• Stakeholder Alignment Scenario: Prepare for questions about how you would handle conflicting priorities or gain buy-in from different departments for a strategic initiative.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company explicitly states "Don't bother with cover letters - we're interested in facts and figures!" This strongly emphasizes the importance of a results-oriented resume and a portfolio that can clearly demonstrate tangible achievements and operational impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management: Tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, Monday.com for managing projects and workflows.
• Collaboration: Slack, Microsoft Teams for team communication.
• Documentation: Confluence, Google Workspace for knowledge sharing and process documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics for tracking website performance and user behavior.
• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Tableau, Power BI, Looker for data analysis, visualization, and dashboard creation.
• CRM: Salesforce, HubSpot, or similar CRM systems for managing customer data and sales interactions (relevant if product strategy impacts sales).

CRM & Automation:

• Marketing Automation: HubSpot, Marketo, or similar platforms for automating marketing and sales processes.
• Integration Tools: Tools like Zapier or custom API integrations might be used to connect various systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a consultant in this role would be expected to be proficient with a range of project management, collaboration, and data analysis tools common in tech and e-commerce environments. Familiarity with BI tools and CRM systems is particularly valuable for driving growth and understanding customer/market dynamics.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Data-Driven: A strong emphasis on using data to inform decisions, measure success, and drive continuous improvement.
• Efficiency & Growth: A core focus on identifying and implementing efficiency levers to foster organizational growth and optimize processes.
• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and cross-functional partnerships to achieve shared goals.
• Learning & Development: Fostering an environment that encourages continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and personal growth.
• Pragmatism & Solution-Orientation: A hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving, focusing on delivering effective solutions in a fast-paced environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively working with diverse teams to ensure alignment and drive initiatives forward.
• Open Communication: Encouraging transparency and open dialogue across all levels of the organization.
• Feedback Culture: Valuing constructive feedback to drive personal and team improvement.
• Proactive Engagement: Taking initiative to connect with colleagues, share insights, and contribute to a positive and productive work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of agile, innovative practices with a strong emphasis on results, data, and collaboration. This is a positive environment for operations professionals who thrive on driving measurable impact and working within a supportive, growth-oriented team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complexity: Managing multiple high-impact projects simultaneously in a dynamic, fast-growing e-commerce environment requires strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Ensuring consensus and buy-in from diverse internal stakeholders with potentially competing priorities can be challenging.
• Driving Change: Implementing efficiency levers and process improvements requires influencing behavior and overcoming potential resistance to change within the organization.
• Rapid E-commerce Evolution: Staying abreast of and adapting to the constantly changing e-commerce landscape, technological advancements, and competitive pressures.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Skill Enhancement: Deepen expertise in product strategy, growth hacking, market analysis, and business operations within the e-commerce sector.
• Industry Exposure: Gain insights into the operations of a major online marketplace and the broader retail technology landscape.
• Professional Certifications: Opportunities to pursue relevant certifications in project management, agile methodologies, or business analysis.
• Mentorship: Access to experienced leaders and colleagues within a large organization can provide valuable mentorship for career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for strategic consulting and growth roles, offering significant opportunities for skill development and career progression. The company's commitment to learning supports professional growth in navigating these challenges.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you identified a key efficiency lever in a business process. What was the lever, how did you implement the change, and what was the quantifiable outcome?" (Focus on process optimization, data, and ROI).
• "How would you approach developing a growth strategy for a new feature on an e-commerce marketplace? What data would you look at, and who would you involve?" (Focus on strategic thinking, data analysis, and stakeholder alignment).
• "Imagine you need to gain buy-in from the engineering and marketing teams for a product strategy shift. How would you approach this, and what potential conflicts might you anticipate?" (Focus on stakeholder management and communication).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Kaufland e-commerce and the online marketplace industry?" (Research company mission, values, and recent news).
• "How do you contribute to fostering a learning environment within a team?" (Highlight examples of knowledge sharing, mentoring, or continuous learning).
• "How do you stay updated on e-commerce trends and apply that knowledge to your work?" (Demonstrate passion and proactive learning).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a brief overview of your role and the company context for each project. Clearly state the problem, your specific actions/solutions, and the measurable results.
• Data Focus: Emphasize the metrics used to define success and demonstrate the impact of your work. Use charts or graphs if visually presenting data.
• Process Narrative: Explain the "how" – your methodology, the tools used, and how you navigated challenges, especially regarding process improvements and stakeholder engagement.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key projects efficiently, focusing on the most impactful aspects relevant to strategy, growth, and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the prompt "we're interested in facts and figures!", candidates should prepare to back up all claims with specific, quantifiable achievements and clear examples of their strategic and operational contributions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-aligned position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on join.com.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight "facts and figures" – quantifiable achievements related to project leadership, strategy development, process improvement, and driving growth. Use keywords like "strategy consultant," "project management," "process optimization," "stakeholder management," "data-driven," and "e-commerce."
• Portfolio Preparation: Compile a concise portfolio (or be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience) that showcases your ability to lead impactful projects, implement efficiency levers, and achieve measurable business results. Focus on case studies demonstrating strategic thinking and operational execution.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Kaufland e-commerce, its market position, its products, and its company culture. Understand their growth trajectory and the challenges in the online marketplace industry.
• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), focusing on providing concrete examples and quantifiable outcomes for your achievements. Practice presenting your portfolio highlights.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.